Draft Analysis: NFL Draft Needs: Ravens

Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld’s NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld’s college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they’re breaking down every team’s biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.

For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.

No. 1 Team Need: Edge Pass Rusher

Silva’s Analysis

The main reason Baltimore fielded the NFL’s 25th-ranked pass defense according to Football Outsiders’ DVOA was their inability to pressure quarterbacks. Terrell Suggs is entering his age-34 season coming off a torn Achilles’. Elvis Dumervil is 32 and best suited for a rotational role at this stage of his career. The Ravens got a 5.5-sack rookie year from 2015 fourth-rounder Za’Darius Smith, but he is their only promising young pass rusher.

No. 2 Team Need: Offensive Line

Silva’s Analysis

Guard stands out as Baltimore’s biggest need on the line after the free-agent departure of stud LG Kelechi Osemele. Elsewhere, contract-year RT Rick Wagner is coming off a disappointing season following Lisfranc surgery, and the Ravens have been wishy-washy on injury-plagued LT Eugene Monroe‘s roster spot. RG Marshal Yanda is entering his age-32 season. As the Ravens are painfully short on front-five depth, this could be a year where GM Ozzie Newsome uses two mid- to late-round picks on offensive linemen.

No. 3 Team Need: Inside Linebacker

Silva’s Analysis

A number of positions could land in this third spot for the Ravens, whose roster has more holes than usual this offseason. Another cornerback would help to upgrade the slot between RCB Jimmy Smith and LCB Shareece Wright. Defensive line depth is a need. The Ravens have quantity at wideout and running back, but not necessarily quality. Inside linebacker should take precedence with special teamers Zachary Orr, Arthur Brown and Albert McClellan stationed behind C.J. Mosley.

Norris’ Mock Draft

Round 1 (6): EDGE Joey Bosa, Ohio State – As Evan mentioned, the Ravens’ top two edge rushers are nearing the end of their careers. The Ravens do not ask their pass rushers to drop into coverage often, so Bosa, an explosive power rusher, will be used correctly. Bosa’s agility scores were much better than expected.

Round 2 (36): RB Derrick Henry, Alabama – Do we really think Ozzie Newsome will be able to resist Henry if he’s still available? I am a big fan of Henry’s game, and think he can be a tremendous asset to a team that allows him to get beyond the line of scrimmage. The Ravens have holes on the OL now, but just think of Henry wearing down tired opponents with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter while up on the scoreboard.

Round 3 (70): LB Joe Schobert, Wisconsin – Schobert played a good amount on the edge, but I could see his transition to inside linebacker. He is great at using his hands to create space and make plays. Schobert’s blitzing ability would be nice in the Ravens’ system.

Round 4 (104): G Rees Odhiambo, Boise State – I compare Odhiambo to Travelle Wharton, a college left tackle who will move inside to guard due to a solid base and powerful hands.

Round 4 (130): T Kyle Murphy, Stanford – I really liked Murphy’s left tackle tape at Stanford. Then he was forced to play right tackle at the Senior Bowl and struggled all week. That transition is more difficult than many envision.

Round 4 (132): CB Maurice Canady, Virginia – Canady spent 186 snaps in the slot last season, one of the higher totals in this class. He was an unknown name to the media prior to Senior Bowl week, but certainly did not look out of place.

Round 4 (134): EDGE Victor Ochi, Stony Brook – Ochi is kind of on the same evaluation spectrum as Za’Darius Smith: powerful hands to jolt the opponent and shed to create separation.

Round 6 (182): LB Antwione Williams, Georgia Southern – This pick would add speed at the linebacker position.

Round 6 (209): S Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee – Byard is a very aggressive, downhill strong safety who does his best moving forward rather than laterally or backward.

Ravens Current Offensive Depth Chart

QB: Joe Flacco

RB: Justin Forsett

WR: Steve Smith Sr.

WR: Mike Wallace

WR: Breshad Perriman

TE: Ben Watson

LT: Eugene Monroe

LG: Ryan Jensen

C: Jeremy Zuttah

RG: Marshal Yanda

RT: Rick Wagner